Chic People: londondude

londondude is a breath of fresh air to Chictopia. It’s not often that we see a straight guy with such a unique sense of style. He states on his Chictopia profile page that “I am heterosexual, but I guess I am strongly in the meterosexual category! Wish more guys would step out of that safety net of jeans, tshirt and trainers look… I see girls who look dam hot, and clearly having fun with a bit of flair and oomph in their outfits, so why cant guys too?” We girls can definitely appreciate the fashion sense of our girlfriends and gay guy friends, but it would be nice to see similarly-creative wardrobe choices worn by our boyfriends and husbands. Let’s hope that more guys will take some advice from the ever-dapper londondude! Pairing crisp button-down shirts and preppy cardigans with off-the-wall items like bow ties, plaid kilts, and Converse sneakers, his outfits are the perfect mix of gentlemanly classiness and trendy creativity.

1. Q: How did you hear about Chictopia and why did you decide to join?

A: I hadn’t really heard of it through friends or anything like that. I just felt that I wanted to join a community of sorts and meet like minded people. I just Googled ‘fashion blogs’ and this site came up. The rest just followed naturally!

2. Q: What’s your favorite thing about being a member of Chictopia?

A: Oh, my favorite thing? Just one? Tricky! I would have to say its the ability to express my own styles via the photo post and read what all your comments are. The appreciation and kind comments I have received is just humbling and very inspiring.

3. Q: When did you first discover fashion, and when did you start dressing accordingly?

A: I guess I first felt that I wanted to ‘dress up’ in my younger, formative years. England at that time had come through the mad, neon 80’s and become rather grey. I subconsciously rebelled at this via my music and style. You see, I was really into the whole grunge movement. Nirvana, leather jackets, black skinny jeans, Dr Marten boots, etc…

4. Q: How has your style evolved over the years?

A: Well, after a few years of immersing myself within the grunge culture, the advent of ‘Britpop’ like Pulp, Blur began to sway my opinions both sartorially and culturally. My styles began to get more classic English and more structured. I just love the tailored English gent look! Nowadays, my influences vary much more. I am more prone to experimentation, in line with the confidence that becoming a mature person gives you.

5. Q: As a straight guy, how does it feel to be involved in the fashion industry?

A: I am not really involved career wise in the fashion industry. I would absolutely love it! But, alas my career at the moment is IT, and I supervise a small department within a Government service. There is, I believe a degree of stereotyping in the fashion industry and its something that should change as the years pass. As society as a whole, especially in the Western world, is becoming ever more adaptive to the changing views of its masses, so is the prevailing attitudes that accompany it. To conclude, I am looking to study full time next year at the London College of Fashion and gain a foothold in this wonderful industry as one very straight guy!!

6. Q: Do you have any tips or advice for guys who are interested in fashion?

A: Have fun! If you want to try something different, just do it – do not let anyone say you shouldn’t! At the end of the day that’s what evolution is, it’s not a static art form – and just because a rather sizable portion of men perceive flamboyant or somewhat extravagant dressing as ‘gay’ or whatever is purely down to a lack of imagination and perhaps a fear of something outside their comfort zone. But the more people who dare to venture outside that zone the better for society as a whole. Maybe start off somewhere small, like a new style of top or snazzy shoes. Then as you feel increasingly confident with the changes, maybe step it up!

7. Q: When did you first start wearing kilts, and where do you buy them?

A: Ah kilts! I started wearing them very recently actually. I am always keen on the idea of something new and interesting. And this item of clothing I feel is superbly cool and yes, very masculine. The image I have of kilts is these super strong guys who drink whiskey and throw large wooden poles around like madmen! I do not go for that extremity of course, but I love the look all the same! Theres a few places that I know that sell them. A Scottish shop near Portobello Market, and a shop in Regent Street called Excellence. They sell all manner of wonderful Scottish apparel, very nice and very friendly shop staff.

8. Q: Do you have any fashion inspirations or style icons?

A: For fashion inspirations, I guess I would have to say Christian Dior. I just loved the fact that after all the austerity and cutbacks from the Second World war he thought, ‘the hell with this’ and brought out the ‘New Look’ which in my mind was the single biggest and most important collection ever. The sheer luxury and opulence of these items was just what the World needed (along with all the rebuilding etc..)

9. Q: What’s your number one favorite item in your wardrobe?

A: My Jaeger Trench coat. I brought it last year in the January Sales and it still cost a small fortune. But its one of those items that once you wear it, you instantly feel amazing. You can’t really put a price on that can you? And its grey, so I am already set for this Fall…!

10. Q: Are you looking forward to any particular fall fashion trends?

A: For men, I like the return of the nerd/geek look, I think its so welcome after all the combat styles! I like the idea that velvet is making a comeback, that’s got a very unique look! I also like the camel color which is a very lovely color. I have seen a very nice camel jacket….!
For women, I just think the best look was the Louis Vuitton collection which harked back to much more elegant and classic period of dressing. If these styles creep into the High Street then marvelous!

Comments (17)

Awe, I just read this...and London D. and I, have similar professions per seant to the Gov. Support thing going on...WOW, however per his grunge days, I had 'SPICE GIRLS'...telling what they want, what they really, really want...Oh, how great! I am loyal to YouthAgaistFashion and London D.! One for consistency and the other for politically sound advice ciphered by the proactive Fashion movement!

ohh, wooow, GREAT POST, dear!!! Londondude is definetely one of the most stylish guys l ever saw!! looovely interview, dear!! l'm so in love with his classy english style, he's just amazing!! he loves playing with colors and classy items like blazers, shirts and sweaters! l wish l could see more boys like him! ;) chic voted for sure!